Title: Never Eighteen
Author: Megan Bostic
Series: None
Releases Date: January 17th, 2012
Number of Pages: 204
Publisher: HMH’s Children Books
Source: Bought
I had the dream again. The one where I’m running. I don’t know what from or where to, but I’m scared, terrified really.
Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. But in the short time he has left there’s one thing he can do: He can try to help the people he loves live—even though he never will.
It’s probably hopeless.
But he has to try.
Never Eighteen was one of those books that leave me wondering if I loved it or not. The thing is, the idea behind the book is great. I love the fact that it is short, as book about someone who is living his last day can be heavy. Yet, I felt like that book was really light for the theme; maybe it’s only me. I was just expecting a little more than that. I felt like Austin’s feelings about his death were kind of almost non-existent.
I love that Austin is trying to make those around him better, to ease their own burden before he dies. I also really liked the interaction between Austin and Kaylee. It is so real, so believable. I love Kaylee and her car that never seems to have one name. I love how present she is for Austin.
The writing was spot on. I really liked the way Megan Bostic created the world of this novel. I have to say that Megan Bostic will be on my to-watch list, because I really enjoyed it. She was able to stay light, even with all the emotions packed in this short novel.
Overall, it was a beautiful, funny and heart-breaking story. The only downside for me was that it didn’t go deep enough, which is understandable for such a short novel.
